Politically Speaking

MeetElizabeth Bennion Host

Biography

Elizabeth A. Bennion, Ph.D. is Professor of Political Science and Campus Director of the American Democracy Project at Indiana University
South Bend where she connects campus and community through civic education programming. She teaches courses in American politics with an
emphasis on political behavior, and organizes non-partisan voter outreach initiatives including a Civic Leadership Academy and candidate
debates for municipal, county, state, and national political races. Bennion is the 2011-2012 Eldon F. Lundquist Fellow, the highest campus
honor bestowed upon a meritorious IU South Bend faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarly achievement, and diversified public service.

Professor Bennion is a seven-time recipient of the competitive Trustees' Teaching Award, an inductee of the all-IU Faculty Colloquium on
Excellence in Teaching, and a recipient of the all-IU W. George Pinnell Award for Outstanding Service. Her role as a civic educator has
been recognized through resolutions and awards from the IU South Bend Alumni Association, South Bend City Council, League of Women Voters,
Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Campus Compact, and American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Bennion's scholarship has been
published in multiple books, academic journals, and newsletters. Her recent work includes two co-edited books entitled: "Teaching Civic
Engagement: From Student to Active Citizen" and "Teaching Civic Engagement Across the Disciplines," both of which are available free online.
Bennion's teaching, research, and service focus on producing informed and engaged citizens. This is a goal she furthers through her work on
WNIT's Politically Speaking, a program she has hosted since January 2013.